Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 19th, 2019 4:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
You may find new wind slabs up high, likely above around 2300 m. Also keep your eyes to the skies and avoid travelling on or beneath southerly slopes during intense sunny conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light northwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1500 m.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light north wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1900 m.
SUNDAY: Clear skies, light north wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 2100 m.
MONDAY: Increasing clouds, light southwest wind, alpine temperature 1 C, freezing level 2500 m.
Avalanche Summary
A natural loose wet avalanche cycle was observed on Thursday with the increasing freezing level.
Snowpack Summary
The freezing level hovered around 2300 m to 2500 m during Friday's storm. Around 10 to 15 cm of snow likely accumulated above the freezing level. The snow fell with strong southwest wind, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features. The snowpack is wet below treeline from recent rain and warm air.
Weak and sugary faceted grains may remain at the bottom of the snowpack in the alpine, producing a low likelihood but high consequence scenario. Steep, rocky areas with a shallow snowpack are the most likely places to trigger this layer.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs may have formed above around 2300 m from recent snow and strong southwest wind. These slabs may be touchy, particularly in lee terrain features near ridges.
- Use small, representative slopes without consequence to test the bond of the recent snow.
- Expect conditions to change rapidly with aspect and elevation.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
The likelihood of loose wet avalanche activity will increase during periods of intense sun, particularly where it moistens previously dry snow at higher elevations.
- Minimize overhead exposure and avoid steep slopes during periods of strong sun.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 20th, 2019 2:00PM
